Should Disney make an effort to stop "saving"?

[MaryKatesMom]

I watched this family "leap-frog" up the ramp for Soarin'. They sent some smaller kids ahead, slithering through the line, then join them bit by bit. The line was at a standstill for quite awhile, so they were easy to spot moving forward while we stood still.

A man did say something to them but they ignored him. I was pretty mad, because we all waited to get in line while my neice decided last minute on a potty trip.

 

[maxiesmom]

I must admit to the table-saving. But it is more to get the kids out of the way then anything else. I would much rather have my nieces and nephew, or anyone elses kids, at a table where I didn't have to worry about triping over them with a tray of food. I would have a problem with this practice only if the place was packed and the table-savers squated there for a long, long, time.

 

[Whosemom]

It takes all of us to put our foot down about this "saving" stuff. The rude will always test the meek.

But the meek will inherit the Earth!

My kids have gone since they were infants, and they have never yet not waited their turn AS THEY SHOULD. But, am I going to ruin my day by even "aside" confrontations that are going to sour MY mood? I'd rather limit myself to a soon forgotten roll of the eyes. If at the end of the day your "best" memories are "did you see how I got that line cutter" and "you should have seen the look that one gave me" I think you missed to boat! As for big people getting in front of my kids at parades, if its just a person or two(where I could still get to them if I HAD TO), I tell them to worm on out in front.

I do have to agree with several others - we sit down at an empty table rather than clogging up the line area with the whole crew, who at meal time are whiny anyway. Who needs that?

Its not our situations that determine our day, its our attitudes.

 

[lucyanna girl]

I don't mind table saving. The lines are crowded and I would rather have one person get the food than try and dodge a whole group. Also, it is sometimes hard to get a table and your food will get cold waiting.
I also can understand someone taking a child to the restroom and returning to their spot. Some of the lines in busy times can be an hour or longer. As a mother and grandmother I can tell you, not every little person knows they will need a restroom 45 minutes later. This is not the same as a whole party joining the line waiter later.
As for the parade, get there early and stake out a good curbside spot. Spread out enough to be comfortable and sit down on the curb. My DD is 14 but she loves the parade just as much as your 4 year old and I am NOT going to expect her to give up the spot we spent an hour or more holding so that you can stole up 5 minutes before the parade and plop her/him down. Yes, they are little, No, it's not our fault they have a mother/father who does not plan ahead.
I thought we would be involved in a fist fight last summer in a line at Men In Black at Universal. A LARGE group of children and adults, a church group on less, kept coming around us in the fast pass line. Not 1 or 10 but dozens of them. The couple in front of us finally blocked the line and said no more. A very large, very irate woman and another group of several children were insisting that they get with their group. Angry words were exchanged, my money was on the little woman waiting in line - she was irate. The Pastor came back and insisted that because these people were part of his group they should be allowed to line break. Where is a CM when you need one? DD and I finally went back out the way we had come. Things were getting ugly. I asked for the head CM at the ride, At long last he came out. We reported the exchange. He apologized and took us to the front of the line himself. I never did see who won the argument. the little woman or the large one but I sure hope it was the little one - she was in the right. And after seeing how angry she was I kinda think it was.

 

[Disney Doll]

Don't have a problem with grabbing and holding a table while someone in your group is getting the food. Gets people seated and out of the way and cuts down on the confusion.

Don't even really have a problem with one or two people joining up with their group further ahead in line.

Have a small problem with 12 people joining up with one person in their group further up in line, but if they had the wherewithal to send at least one person in line, then they get a , but that's it.

Have a HUGE problem with line cutters, and would not tolerate it.

Have a HUGE problem with lat minute parade people who then think they deserve a curbside seat. Wouldn't tolerate that either.

 

[EAP'sDAD]

oopss

 

[EAP'sDAD]

Originally Posted by EAP'sDAD
(Disney is for the kids anyways)

I did not mean that it is just for kids maybe I should have written it different. what I was trying to say that for me I go for the kids. Nothing is better then seeing a small childs (mine or some elses)face the first time they see that favorite character.if I have the chance to make a small childs trip a little better I will. I unlike alot of the people who go will give up a spot so a child can see a parade. Me and DW went to WDW many times pre kids, and bought DVC so we can go when they grow up and we also grow up. But I am a true believer that WDW is for all ages and brings the child out in everyone

 

[MBW]

I'm so glad Sue offered that great explanation of WC access at WDW. I'd like to add a little more, but for "non-apparent" disabilities. It used to be that children who, due to disability, could not "wait in line" like normal children, such as my children, who have autism, were actually able to pretty much head to the front of the line, generally via the old wheelchair entrances or FastPass lines. Then some people got wind of this "benefit", and started requesting "GAC"s (which used to be called something different), even if their child was not in fact disabled, so they too could bypass the regular lines. So many people started doing this, that Disney threatened to discontinue any kind of special treatment for neurologically and behaviorally exceptional kids. Finally, they developed a new "system", where these special needs kids and a parent are offered a "quiet" non-crowded place to wait, often while the rest of their party works their way through the line. They then are allowed to meet up with their party, essentially "cut the line" in the views of many, just before boarding the ride.

Sometimes CMs will allow use of FP or an alternative entrance, or give parents a time at which to return. But for my children, waiting out of line isn't all that much easier than waiting in line, outside of the people touching them (sensory issues), and will probably lead to many meltdowns. Why? Because some people cheating and others complaining (rightfully or otherwise), my kids and others like them lost the access which made Disney doable.

Looking at the rate of autism in the general population, at any given point in time, there are probably less than 100 kids in any of the parks with autism or other debiliating neuro/developmental disability. Thus, the chances of any of the 100K people having their ride effected by the "line jumping" of these kids is actually minimal. But almost every PoA (parents of autistics) I know has at least one story of someone verbally harrassing them if their kid gets any kind of special treatment (including using strollers as wheelchairs.) In fact, most of us have perfected the line, "I'll give you this GAC and wait in line all day, if I you'll take my kids disability as well."

People cheat all the time, including some who cut lines. But overreacting also has the potential of hurting those who have valid reasons - my suggestion is to think a bit before reacting, and ask yourself if it really is worth it. If it is, rant away. But just be prepared to learn that not everything is always as it seems.

 

[Terk-1]

I find alot of people trying to wedge themselves into spots along a parade route at the last minute, when I've been sitting in the same spot for over an hour. When I went in 2003, I got a seat next to a very nice family (all of them were there). Too many times to count did people try and either wedge themselves in between people, push themselves forward trying to push us off the curb or just flat out sit or stand in front of us. Luckily there was a CM standing next to us and told people that were sitting or standing in front of us (we were on the curb, they were on the street) that they would have to move. When they tried scooting back towards the curb trying to force us to move, the CM kindly told them that this was not allowed and that they would have to find somewhere else to watch the parade. They were not happy, but we were. If you want a good place to view a parade or fireworks, either find a place earlier or miss it, is my honest opinion.

 

[Dznefreek]

In the overall scheme of life, is it really a big deal. Consider the number of lines you wait in on a typical WDW trip it is not happening that often. How many trips have you made where it did not happen at all . . . Now for something that really bugs me. . .

People trying on hats for a photo op and putting them back on the shelf, hook, or stack. I don't want your nasty, sweaty head possibly infecting my purchase.

 

[SueM in MN]

People cheat all the time, including some who cut lines.

Ironically, before most of the lines were made wheelchair accessible, it was harder to cut in line. Most of the lines were pretty narrow, to keep people in single file lines. That discouraged cuting in line because the lines were pretty tight.
As more queues became Mainstream (where wheelchair users are in line with everyone else), lines became wide enough to easily get by people who were waiting. A wheelchair accessible line is at least 32 inches wide (most are wider) with a turning area at least 5 feet wide for wheelchairs to make the turn when the line switches back. With areas that wide, it's difficult to keep anyone from going by you.

 

[markwake]

But an extra voice from the crowd is enough to start a few other people complaining. Many times its just waiting for one person to speak up. (I"m not asking anyone to start a fight... but as someone passes you in line... you might want to warn people ahead of you - "line cheat coming"

I wish I had that quote - something like - "Evil exist in the absent of good people speaking up"

I think the quote was by Edmund Burke: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

And I like what you suggest calling out: "Line Cheat Coming!"

Many years ago when I worked at our local amusement park, my buddies and I would go back into the park to ride the rides. We would love to find line cheaters! We would whip out our park ID, flash it at them, and say, "We work for the Undercover Park Security Department! Go to the back of the line! If we catch you cutting in line again, we're going to throw your butt out of the park so fast it will take 10 minutes for the rest of your sorry body to catch up!" We had a lot of fun doing that!

Now, if I can just find a way to make some fake WDW employee ID . . .

 

[Tjaleks]

Here's a protocol question:

If there is a queue to get your picture taken with a character, would you consider it okay for me to stand in line while my 3 year old and husband stand off to the side admiring the character in action, and then for my 3 year old to step up when I reach the front of the line? This will not affect the number of pictures we take at all (I'm certainly not planning on getting my picture taken individually with Mickey Mouse!), so it won't hold anyone up...but I don't want to do anything that might be perceived as rude.

Well, I am guilty of this. While my DH was with my boys getting autographs and pictures I would wait in line for the other character that was there. I did always seem to be in conversation with the other parents around me and none of them seemed to mind or give off any body language that suggested that they were annoyed. We nevered pushed or shoved anyone nor did I hold up the line so my boys could have their picture taken. We always seemed to have really good timing and honestly did not have to wait too long for anything with this method nor did we appear to disturb anyone else or a CM.

We also claimed a table upon walking in so there would not be four of us in line.

 

[krissyh]

I think it is important to make a big deal (you can do it without it ruining your day as long as you make a joke of it - since these people are jokes as it is.)
When they start trying to get to the front of the line - not the one parent with a last minutes potty break - they probably already said something to the people near them in line anyway - but the obnixious and "entitled". Start chanting "line cutter" - people will join in, the creeps will either back off or a cast memer will show up. Then a big cheer and high fives all around. It doesn't ruin your day, it makes standing in line more interesting and makes these fools look like it and hopefully embarrasses them. Plus, this type of behavior is on the increase, not just in the parks, and it may stop some people from continuing it and keep others from say, "hey, everyone else does it."
It's time to return to good old fashioned manners. That's what Walt would want.
I'm ok with the table thing if you can elderly/kids/disabled. Two healthy people, you can wait. And take up the least amount of space needed. Share.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Have to agree w/Chuck on this one. It's not as bad as 2 teenagers who take up one of the tables for 6 so they can spread their stuff out on it ... esp. when there's a big party looking for a place to sit and loads of 2-seaters available!

Me too! My kids get a table while i am ordering, We get one that is the size we need, not a great big one that we wont use. If there is only a big table available we take one end, and offer the other end to another family. We never take the whole thing. Cutting in line, we stand shoulder to shoulder and don't let anyone by. LOL! Parades we get a spot for us early, we don't let people in front of us. We sit and wait as a family for the parade. We have had people ask if their kids can sit with our kids at the parade, well i made that mistake only once, i let some kids sit with us, before you know it a whole parade of adults came and we ended up behind them.

 

[canwegosoon]

I think the quote was by Edmund Burke: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

And I like what you suggest calling out: "Line Cheat Coming!"

Many years ago when I worked at our local amusement park, my buddies and I would go back into the park to ride the rides. We would love to find line cheaters! We would whip out our park ID, flash it at them, and say, "We work for the Undercover Park Security Department! Go to the back of the line! If we catch you cutting in line again, we're going to throw your butt out of the park so fast it will take 10 minutes for the rest of your sorry body to catch up!" We had a lot of fun doing that!

Now, if I can just find a way to make some fake WDW employee ID . . .

I think you should put this in a business plan and send it to WDW...you could head up a whole new dept!!! That would put a damper on the line cutters/cheaters.

 

[jasper]

I wonder if the OP ever had a family member wait on another line at a counter service restaurant, Walmart, or in a supermarket, to see which line moves faster?

I do agree that flat out line cutting is very wrong, BUT .............

Getting a table? C'mon, what is wrong with sending the family to get a table so you have a place to sit when you pick up your food. Are you supposed to stand 10 minutes with all your food/drinks to find a table?

Saving spots for a parade? If I'm spending hard earned cash for a family vacation, why is it wrong for me to wait an hour for the parade and let the rest of the family buy snacks, shop, etc? I don't consider a mom or dad saving spots for their two or three kids along a parade route to be an issue. Suggestion to Disney, have the parade go through the entire park, not just half.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I agree with some of what the OP has said, but there are a couple of practices that I have no problem with. haven't read the whole thread, so excuse me if some of this is repetitious.

1) Saving tables. It is much easier for me (or DW) to go get food at a counter service restaurant while the other waits at a table with DD8 and DD6. It gives the kids a chance to unwind a bit. Also, the way most queues in counter service restaurants are designed, it seems inconvenient and inconsiderate for those around me to have our little family of four traveling as a pack. Sorry, but our family will stick with the hunting/gathering plan.

2) Saving seats for a parade. I can't see one person saving a whole big chunk of curb. That seems a tad inconsiderate, but not enough to ruffle my feathers. My personal MO is "1 person can occupy 2 spaces". So, for our family of four, one adult and one child will save a spot for a parade or show while other adult and child go shop, ride, or hug a character.

 

[Magic2000]

Tjaleks - we have done that too, and never thought it was "cutting the line". My older 2 DDs and I would each get in a different character line, and my younger DD would go to who ever's came up in line first (DH took the picture). Only my youngest DD got her picture taken with the character, and we just thought that since one of us was in line, we didn't think of it as cutting. (Actually, I still don't think it is cutting, and would not have a problem if anyone else did this). Sorry if we offended anybody.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Disney should make a bigger effort to discourage line cutting on fastpass attractions. Those standby lines are long enough as it is. By limiting the "policing" to E-ticket attractions it would carry over to the lesser ones.

I do have to agree that the waiting corrals for many of the newer attractions are just too dang wide for one or two people to stop line slitherers. A chorus of "line jumper" "line jumper" would probably work but at the same time I'm usually at WDW for a vacation not a single day trip. I want to relax.